@monichang
From frapps to delectable desserts, the unicorn trend has managed to find its way into every corner of our lives…including hair! Celebs including Hilary Duff, Poppy Delevingne, and even Lauren Conrad have been spotted rocking this rainbow hair trend and for good reason — it adds a fun pop of color and looks amazing in photos.
But as much as we love living out our unicorn fantasies, there’s a price to pay whenever your hair goes through a major color change. That’s why we asked expert hair colorist Kate Reid, the Director of Color at KEVIN.MURPHY, to provide tips on how to keep locks happy and healthy while sporting the colorful hair trend (this applies to ombré and balayage, too!).
So whether you’re going full-on pink or easing your way into it with a couple inner strands, keep these tips in mind before you commit to that new ‘do!
Do your research
Don’t want to walk into the first salon you see. Do your research on hair salons and book an appointment with a specific hairstylist, so you know exactly who you’re entrusting your hair with. Reid also recommends looking for salons that use ammonia-free or a cream lightener to maintain your hair’s integrity. She says, “[Your] hair’s integrity helps with the durability and keeps the color toned so it lasts longer.”
Maintenance is key
Once you add color to your hair, you have to buckle down and do your part in maintaining it. Reid says, “Prior to color, [you need] to understand that maintenance is required as it’s the key to any major color creation to ensure your hair color stays fresh and in good condition.” That means hair treatments are no longer optional, they’re essential. Reid recommends the KEVIN.MURPHY SMOOTH.AGAIN because the weightless formula is paraben-free and repairs your hair for a smooth finish.
Make frequent visits to the salon
If you want your color to always look its best, you’re going to want to schedule a time to stop by the salon. As important as the at-home maintenance is, getting a touch-up from a pro goes a long way. Reid suggests pre-booking your salon visits so you don’t skip out on this step!
Budget accordingly
High maintenance means investing in quality hair care products and depending on how big of a color change you go through, you’re going to need different products. But the main point is to make sure you’re prepared to bust out your wallet for various hair care products.
Be fully prepped for heat styling
There’s no doubt colored hair looks better styled. Whether you’re giving yourself an at-home blowout or curling your hair, heat protection is more important now than ever. Reid notes, “Make sure when using heat tools on colored hair, you have a thermostat. The same way you wouldn’t iron a pair of jeans in the same heat setting as you would iron a silk dress, you should always adjust the heat to your hair’s requirements.”
xx, The FabFitFun Team
